This clip from the Māori television news programme Te karere discusses the fate of New Zealand First’s Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill 2006. New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone (Ngāti Hine) says that despite the decision of a select committee to reject the bill, he will continue to press for the deletion of treaty principles from New Zealand legislation.
This is the Law and Order Select Committee at Parliament listening to public submissions.
This relates to New Zealand First’s bill looking at abolishing the provisions relating to the principles of the treaty.
Pita Paraone, New Zealand First: ‘The bill will not continue as I am the only member of the committee that supports it. Therefore it will not succeed. However, I am not surprised by that.’
New Zealand First believes that the principles of the treaty are undermining race relations in New Zealand.
They say that their bill does not belittle the treaty.
Shane Taurima: ‘It appears as though the majority of political parties do not support your bill and accordingly the bill will fail. What do you think about that?’
Pita Paraone: ‘Although the majority do not want to see an interpretation of the principles of the treaty inserted.’
The Māori Party is strongly against the bill, arguing it will water down the strength of the treaty. Whatever happens, this subject will continue to be very important to New Zealand First.
Pita Paraone: ‘This is not a significant election issue, but we will not shift our argument on this subject.’
The select committee is expected to table its report in Parliament before the end of the year and the report will be debated in the new year.
Shane Taurima for Te karere.
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